Piano Guidance
Photo by Alexander Krivitskiy Pexels Logo Photo: Alexander Krivitskiy

Does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth?

Summary. Hydrogen peroxide is a common home remedy for whitening teeth. It is an ingredient in many teeth whitening solutions for use both at home and in the dentist's office. A simple hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may help remove mild stains.

medicalnewstoday.com - Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening: Does it work and is it safe?
How long does it take to duplicate a key?
How long does it take to duplicate a key?

Duplicating a key can take anywhere from five to twenty-five minutes. It's a pretty quick process. This way, if you're locked out of your home, you...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 19, 2022
Do musicians have a high IQ?
Do musicians have a high IQ?

Participants were asked to complete several tests, one of which was the WAIS-II intelligence test. Musicians had a higher IQ than amateur...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 2, 2018

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. How we vet brands and products Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?

Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. Hydrogen peroxide is a common antiseptic in most homes and first aid kits. It is a versatile liquid with a range of different uses. Hydrogen peroxide is also an active ingredient in many teeth whitening treatments, which leads many people to wonder whether store-bought hydrogen peroxide makes a good tooth whitener as well. While hydrogen peroxide may help whiten the teeth in certain situations, there are some important safety issues to consider. Hydrogen peroxide can cause damage to the enamel of the teeth if a person uses the solution incorrectly. Learn more about hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening in this article.

Is it effective?

A person can make a hydrogen peroxide paste or mouthwash at home. Hydrogen peroxide is a common and effective active ingredient in many commercial teeth whitening solutions. Products containing peroxides, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, act as bleaching agents to change the color of the teeth. Peroxide can partially penetrate the layers of the teeth, removing compounds that cause discoloration. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in store-bought teeth whitening kits can be as high as 10%. Dentists may also offer whitening treatments with hydrogen peroxide concentrations of up to 40%. On the other hand, most store-bought hydrogen peroxide has a 3% concentration. Many people worry that higher concentrations of peroxide may lead to more side effects, such as enamel breakdown and tooth sensitivity, but this is not always the case. However, it does appear that the length of time that these products spend on the teeth is important. In fact, the authors of a 2016 study found that lower concentration gels had more negative effects on tooth enamel when they remained on the teeth for longer periods. Higher concentration gels often require less time on the teeth to be effective, which can reduce the risk of enamel damage. However, another study in the American Journal of Dentistry found that a commercial mouthwash containing only 1.5% hydrogen peroxide caused a noticeable lightening in human tooth enamel after 4 weeks. People who have sensitive teeth may want to check in with their dentist before using hydrogen peroxide to whiten the teeth. How to do it To make a peroxide mouthwash, add 2 ounces (oz) of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 2 oz of water to a small cup. Swish this mixture in the mouth daily for 2–4 minutes before spitting it out. Do not swallow the liquid. Alternatively, a homemade paste may help some people remove minor stains. To create this paste, add a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to enough baking soda to create a smooth, thick paste. Apply the paste directly to the teeth using a toothbrush. Allow the paste to sit on the teeth for a few minutes and then rinse it away with water. Do not swallow the paste. Many over-the-counter tooth whitening products contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which breaks down to hydrogen peroxide. The American Dental Association (ADA) note that products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance are safe and effective whitening treatments. People should follow the instructions on these products carefully for the best results. In cases where the tooth discoloration is minor, a simple mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide may be sufficient. Anyone who notices pain or tenderness while using hydrogen peroxide products on their teeth should stop using them and contact a dentist.

Which gender buys the most music?
Which gender buys the most music?

With the perceived importance of the good old '50 quid man' on record sales, you might be surprised to know that, according to new research by IPC...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 16, 2020
How old is a Grade 10?
How old is a Grade 10?

Canada's grade levels compared to other countries Starting age Canada United States 14-15 Grade 9 Grade 9 15-16 Grade 10 Grade 10 16-17 Grade 11...

Read More »
Last updated Mar 21, 2022

Safety and risks There are some risks to consider before using hydrogen peroxide to whiten the teeth. Common side effects of teeth whitening methods include tooth and gum sensitivity, as well as irritated or inflamed gums. Anyone who experiences these symptoms during their treatment should stop using the product and contact their dentist to discuss other options. Some people may prefer to undergo hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening in a clinic. The dentist might ask the person to come in for a cleaning first. Cleaning the surface of the teeth will allow the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate the teeth uniformly. During this appointment, the dentist will also want to check for cracks, as cracks in the teeth can allow the peroxide to penetrate further into the tooth. This can become a problem if the peroxide comes into contact with the delicate dentin underneath as it is likely to cause irritation or sensitivity.

Other at-home teeth whitening solutions

How do I identify my keys?
How do I identify my keys?

To make it easy to find the most used keys on your key ring: Color Code Key Head: Paint both sides of the head of the key with brightly colored...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 26, 2021
Who is Grace in The Piano Lesson?
Who is Grace in The Piano Lesson?

Grace is a young woman whom Boy Willie meets and brings back to Berniece's house for a romantic night. She and Lymon later end up together. Mama...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 8, 2021

There is little evidence that home remedies, such as lemon juice, are effective at whitening teeth. There are many other teeth whitening solutions that people can use at home. However, while some anecdotal evidence may suggest that they are effective, many of the common home remedies for tooth whitening have very little scientific evidence to support their use. Most of these home remedies for tooth whitening should be relatively safe to try, though. They include: charcoal and salt

baking soda

lemon juice

oil pulling with coconut oil

apple cider vinegar The ADA do not recommend any of these methods and point out that there is research to show that some of these methods are not effective and may actually harm the teeth or cause other adverse effects. No matter which whitening solution a person uses, they should consider talking with their dentist first.

medicalnewstoday.com - Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening: Does it work and is it safe?
How do you memorize all 12 keys?
How do you memorize all 12 keys?

The Most Practical Way To Master All 12 Keys Simply put: Take 3 songs you know and learn them in all 12 keys. ... So if a song is in Eb major,...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 24, 2018
What Senpai means?
What Senpai means?

an upperclassman Senpai made its first appearance in Urban Dictionary back in 2004, when a user defined it as "an upperclassman." Other entries (a...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 30, 2019
What is the most moving song ever?
What is the most moving song ever?

Top 5 Moving Songs That Touch Your Soul ""My Immortal"" by Evanescence. ""Man in the Mirror"" by Michael Jackson. ""Landslide"" by Fleetwood Mac....

Read More »
Last updated Apr 10, 2022
What are the main 3 chords known as?
What are the main 3 chords known as?

The I (tonic), IV (subdominant) and V (dominant) chords (primary triads) together encompass all seven tones of the tonic's major scale. These three...

Read More »
Last updated Aug 10, 2018